The Odyssey, Book 4 Lecture Notes

Introduction

• The story starts in media res (in the middle of things).
• Telemachus and Pisistratus (Nestor's son) arrive at Menelaus's palace in Sparta.

Arrival at Menelaus's Palace

• Menelaus is celebrating his son and daughter's impending weddings.
• Initially hesitant to offer Xenia (hospitality) due to past experiences with Trojans (Paris abducted Helen).
• Menelaus mourns Odysseus, which makes Telemachus emotional.

Recognition and Identity

• Telemachus is recognized by Helen and compared to his father, increasing his kleos (reputation).
• Menelaus does not reveal he knows Telemachus’s identity immediately.
• Pisistratus notes Telemachus’s shyness affects his kleos negatively.

Stories and Memories

• Menelaus was a friend to Odysseus, wanted to reward him post-Troy.
• Helen discusses Odysseus's disguise during the Trojan War, blames Aphrodite for her actions.
• Menelaus recounts Odysseus in the Trojan horse.

The Suitors' Situation

• Telemachus describes the situation with 108 suitors at his home in Ithaca.
• The suitors are disrespectful, consuming resources.
• Menelaus foreshadows their demise.

Menelaus's Story of Egypt

• Stuck on the island of Pharos for 20 days.
• Idothie (Proteus's daughter) aids Menelaus in catching Proteus.
• Proteus, a shapeshifter, eventually gives information after being caught.
• Reveals deaths of Ajax and Agamemnon, Odysseus as a prisoner.

Gifts and Departure

• Menelaus offers Telemachus hospitality for 12 days and gifts.
• Telemachus declines certain gifts due to practical reasons.
• Menelaus praises Telemachus's sensibility and gives him a gold bowl.

Back in Ithaca

• Neumann reveals Telemachus's absence to other suitors.
• The suitors plot to kill Telemachus on his return.
• Antinous is the leader of the suitors.

Penelope's Reaction

• Penelope is informed of the suitors' plot and Telemachus's journey.
• Distressed, Penelope sends a servant to inform Laertes.
• Eurycleia knew of Telemachus's departure and reassures Penelope.

Divine Intervention

• Athena sends a phantom, Iptheme, to assure Penelope of Telemachus's return.
• The phantom does not provide information on Odysseus.

Conclusion

• This is the end of Book 4. More summaries will follow later.